culture
May 5, 2026
From El Coliseo Theater to the District Cinematheque
With the appearance in 1775 of the first comedy theater, El Coliseo, on the street of the same name, a discussion arose about what dramatic art meant in Cartagena. ‘Paying to see’ made us an audience, an unprecedented event, consisting of reveling in the spectacle and satisfying our expectations; however, the council members of the time refused to pay entrance, considering their hierarchy tarnished. The judicial dispute from 1776 to 1781 was won by the priests who owned the theater, and the council members were reprimanded by the priests' lawyer: “(...) it was not understood how the council, which bore the exalted title of ‘Father of the Republic’, instead of helping to increase the revenues of El Coliseo, destined as much as possible to curb the contagion of leprosy from San Lázaro, dedicated itself to defending privileges that diminished the income of such a pious and benevolent cause” (Provision of the Royal Audience of Santa Fe, January 31, 1781).
TL;DR
- The first theater in Cartagena, El Coliseo, opened in 1775, leading to discussions about dramatic art and the public's role.
- A legal dispute from 1776 to 1781 between theater owners and city council members concerned the theater's revenue and its charitable contributions.
- The theater became Teatro Mainero in 1875, showcasing diverse performances and early film screenings.
- Cartagena saw the rise of cineclubs in 1952 and the International Film Festival in 1960.
- The city is looking forward to the establishment of the District Cinematheque, intended as a cultural institution and an educational tool for cinematic understanding.
- This marks 251 years of cultural development in Cartagena, from theatrical beginnings to the anticipation of a dedicated film center.